Issued by: SA Communication Service
JOINT PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE MINISTRIES OF INTERIOR AND OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND COOPERATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE AND THE MINISTRIES OF SAFETY AND SECURITY AND OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA:
MAPUTO 16 MARCH 1998
A cordial and friendly meeting was held today, 16 March 1998 in Maputo, between the Minister of Interior and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique and the Minister of Safety and Security of the Republic of South Africa and a representative of the South African Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss circumstances leading to the arrest of Robert Mcbride.
South Africa confirmed that it would not interfere in the due process of Mozambican law and that, in the interest of combatting the scourge of weapons smuggling, South African is just as interested in the outcome of the matter as were the authorities in Mozambique.
It was agreed that should, in the course of the investigation, the Mozambican authorities need any assistance from the South African authorities this would be willingly given.
The delegations discussed the arrest of Mr Robert Mcbride by the Mozambican Police. The South African delegation was assured that Mr Mcbride is in good health and the two delegations were of one mind about the necessity for thorough investigations to be conducted regarding the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
The two delegations reiterated the commitment to the bilateral and multilateral agreements to fight cross border crime to which they are signatories. Pursuant to our bilateral agreements the two countries have carried out a number of joint operations which have resulted in the seizure and destruction of large quantities of firearms. The two countries emphasised that their commitment to this and similar cooperation remains as steadfast as ever.